Influence

Upper trigram: Lake (joyous, sharing) · Lower trigram: Mountain (still, resting)

Judgment

The lake above the mountain: the soft influences the firm and a mutual attraction arises. This hexagram speaks of a time of interaction, sensitivity and sincere response. Only one who is open-hearted, impartial and free of prejudice can truly be moved. When mutual interest is formed without force and with sincerity, a harmonious bond arises.

Image

The lake on the mountain: influence. The noble-minded receive people with an empty heart, staying open to their influence.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Influence in the big toe: no movement yet. A slight stir gains meaning only when it shows outwardly.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Influence in the calves: a restless stir. Staying calm in place rather than acting at once is seen as good.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)Influence in the thighs: merely trying to follow. Finding your own inner direction rather than being dragged along matters.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)Influence in the heart: wavering to and fro, yet in the end friends follow. Being sincere and steady draws the right bond.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)Influence in the nape: no regret. A calm, unexaggerated stance, like turning one’s back, can be protective.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)Influence in jaws, cheeks and tongue: influencing only by speech. If there is no real sincerity behind words, the bond stays on the surface.